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| NMB48 and iLIFE Cancel Shanghai Appearance as NSE2025 Shuts Down Amid Rising Tension (Photo: Oricon/Twitter) |
The much-anticipated NSE2025 “Dimension Star Stage” event scheduled for 29–30 November in Shanghai has officially been cancelled, leaving fans in both Japan and China scrambling for answers.
Japanese idol groups NMB48, iLiFE!, and Niji no Conquistador were all set to perform, but each has now released statements confirming their withdrawal following the organisers’ decision to halt the show entirely.
While the committee avoided spelling out specific causes, the cancellation comes at a time when relations between Japan and China have been noticeably strained, making the sudden halt feel less surprising to industry watchers. Still, for fans who had cleared their calendars and booked travel, the news hit hard.
Official Apology from Organisers: “Unforeseen Circumstances”
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The NSE2025 Event Organising Committee released a multilingual notice on 21 November, apologising for the abrupt changes and emphasising that the decision came only after “careful consideration and coordination across multiple fronts.”
They confirmed that all related events, including fan benefit sessions, have been completely cancelled.
The statement also warned that if a new date is arranged in the future, the performer lineup may not remain the same, hinting that agencies and organisers may rethink participation depending on future conditions.
For now, ticket refunds will be issued automatically within seven business days, with overseas fans asked to email the organisers for additional support.
iLiFE! Speaks First, NijiCon and NMB48 Follow
【NSE2025 次元星舞台 開催中止のお知らせ】
— iLiFE!【あいらいふ】 (@iLiFE_official) November 21, 2025
ご来場予定のお客様にはご迷惑をおかけいたします。
詳細はこちらをご覧ください。
https://t.co/bAmamYndjx pic.twitter.com/cE8kzom7ss
Idol group iLiFE! was the first to break the news via their official Twitter account, posting the committee’s notice in both Japanese and Chinese. Their message expressed regret and apologised to fans who had been “waiting for the stage with excitement.”
Shortly after, Niji no Conquistador and Kyururin te Shitemite shared the same announcement through their agency DEARSTAGE.
Their repost included a straightforward apology for the sudden notice, acknowledging how close the cancellation came to the event dates.
Meanwhile, NMB48 updated their official site, confirming they were notified by the organisers that the show could no longer proceed.
Their message urged fans to understand the situation and thanked them for their continued support despite the disappointment.
Fans React: Shock, Frustration, and Uncertainty
As news spread online, fans & members voiced their frustration at the timing. Many had already prepared outfits, booked accommodation, or taken time off work. With the event being a cross-border collaboration, some had even arranged international travel.
Others pointed out that the wording of the official notice — “multiple unexpected factors” — suggests the organisers had been trying to keep the event afloat until the last possible moment.
Still, the overall tone across social media has been understanding, with fans expressing hope that the groups can return to China when conditions stabilise.
こちらご確認よろしくお願いいたします。
— 小熊まむ【iLiFE!】 (@iLiFE_koguma) November 21, 2025
悲しませてしまってごめんなさい( ߹ㅁ߹)
私も楽しみにしていたのですごく残念ですが、
必ず上海で会えるように頑張ります！ https://t.co/CF2D2wN60X
What Happens Next?
At this stage, no replacement dates have been announced, and the committee has made it clear that any future plan will likely come with a reshuffled lineup.
Agencies in Japan appear to be taking a wait-and-see approach, especially given the delicate climate around Japan–China entertainment engagements. Whether NSE2025 will attempt a revival in 2026 remains to be seen, but industry insiders expect organisers to act cautiously.
For now, fans are simply being encouraged to process their refunds and keep an eye on official accounts.
Source: Yahoo JP/Twitter